How To Fix ED340 - Application only allows downward-compatible line length (72)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ED - ABAP/4 Editor messages

• Message number: 340

• Message text: Application only allows downward-compatible line length (72)

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ED340 - Application only allows downward-compatible line length (72) ?

  The SAP error message ED340, which states "Application only allows downward-compatible line length (72)," typically occurs when there is an issue with the length of a line in a data record that exceeds the maximum allowed length for that particular application or function module. This error is often encountered in the context of data processing, especially when dealing with IDocs, flat files, or other data transfer mechanisms.
  Cause:
  
  Line Length Exceeded: The primary cause of this error is that the data being processed has a line length that exceeds the maximum limit set by the application, which is 72 characters in this case.
  Data Format Issues: The data being sent or received may not conform to the expected format, leading to longer lines than anticipated.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that dictate the maximum line length, and these settings may not align with the data being processed.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Length: Review the data being processed to ensure that no line exceeds 72 characters. This may involve truncating or splitting lines that are too long.
  Adjust Data Formatting: If you are generating data files or IDocs, ensure that the formatting adheres to the expected standards. This may involve modifying the code that generates the data.
  Review Application Settings: Check the configuration settings of the application or function module to see if there are any parameters that can be adjusted to allow for longer line lengths, if applicable.
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in your data processing logic to catch and manage instances where line lengths exceed the allowed limit.
  Testing: After making adjustments, thoroughly test the data processing to ensure that the error does not recur.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Documentation: Review the documentation for the specific application or module you are working with to understand its limitations regarding line lengths.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels where other users may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  
  By addressing the line length issue and ensuring that your data conforms to the expected standards, you should be able to resolve the ED340 error.